White string from side of fish - Graphic Images

myswtsins

myswtsins

Global Moderator
Jun 15, 2008
3,557
392
92
42
Central NJ
Real Name
Jen
Camera Used
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
I am walking out the door for a weekend trip but I noticed my fish in QT has a long (about 1.5"+) white string from it's one side, she was in QT because she was bloated. Then I came downstairs to my 72g and found a dead fish with a very small lump and upturned scale on it's side near it's tail fin, right where the other fish has the long string. From my quick search anchor worms are much shorter than what I am seeing. What could it be? I will try to check this thread when I get to PA and I can have someone at home give any treatment needed. TIA!
 
Does it look like it could be some kind of parasite / worm?
 
Some kind of leech?

Here's a link to the U. of FL LONG page about all types of parasites that affect tropical fish and leeches are about the only thing that commonly get as long as what you are seeing. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa041

Not all leeches are the big black ones that you see on humans in the movies. ;-)
 
Last edited:
Yes I am pretty sure it is a parasite of some sort just not sure what kind.

Isn't it too long to be flukes?

Leech is possible just have NO idea how I got them. The most recent additions are from my grow out tanks that I have had for many months, no new plants or rocks have been introduced either.

Now there is a large hole in the fish's side, she has lost weight but her stomach is still quite bloated, is still breathing heavy & her stomach area looks discolored. I tried to get pictures but they just don't come out.

I have not been feeding her since QT & there is no sign of the "white string" currently.
 
The fish in QT passed away. I got some shots of the holes that formed in her side towards the end. She was still quite bloated when she died even though she had not eaten in well over a week. Notice the hole on her side and also right above her pectoral fin & some discoloration in between her pectoral fins. I also notice that her anus/vent area is very normal looking. I am going to put her in the freeze for any possible further questions, photos or autopsy. I still need to know what this could be so I am stop it in the main tank.

If these pictures don't come up high res let me know, they can be blown up quite large with a lot of detail.

100_4526.JPG 100_4527.JPG 100_4528.JPG 100_4529.JPG 100_4530.JPG
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. This is very puzzling. I hope someone comes along that has some idea. I wish you had a photo of the string-like thing that you saw.

Don't freeze her yet, if you haven't already done that. Just keep her refridgerated until you can do an autopsy so you can get a look at her insides.

I don't know if you've ever done that, but there's a good link that helps to demonstrate the procedure. I'll go get it, brb.
 
This link is from the Goldfish Aquarium Board, or GAB. One of our mods here is also a mod there, and although the site is mostly a community of goldfish enthusiasts I have found that the information there can be very helpful for tropicals, as well.

This link has photos of the necropsy of "Twitchy", poor goldie that died, and I found it helpful to me when I performed a necropsy.

http://thegab.org/Illness-and-Treat...s-diagnosed-with-necropsy-twitchys-story.html

I hope this helps. If we can get a look inside to see if there are parasites, or signs of bacterial infection this would be helpful.

If you see any more of the string-like things, try to get a photo of that if possible.

Again, I'm so sorry for your loss.
 
Why does everything that happens in my life have to be puzzling, odd, unusual or not explainable? :) I put her in the fridge & will do some internal investigating tomorrow, too tired tonight. Thanks for your support and the link!
 
Where was the original "worm" attached to that rather big oval shaped indention? Is it a hole or is it more of an oval shaped trench? It looks like an oval shaped trench where the flesh on either side of the trench is still around the same height... right?

Could the long "worm" actually be dug out flesh from the "trench". I know it's a stretch but if something like a rock or something is sharp and the fish was making some kind of startled spinning/twisting move, is it possible? I've had long strings of flesh hanging from me before where I scraped my leg on a jagged nail edge but I don't know how it would have been in an oval shape like that... of course, fish can make quicker maneuvers than I can.

Just some thoughts to try and figure this one out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom